Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez admits leaving Athletic Bilbao was a tough decision.

Martinez joined Barca this summer in a Bosman transfer.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "I had one last year at Athletic, I kept competing and doing things in the best possible way. When you continue to compete well, other clubs become interested.

"One day I received a call that convinced me. I had doubts, because when you are very comfortable in a club it is difficult to leave despite the fact that great teams come and my heart was still there, but I made the decision to come.

"I think it is a very right decision: I can grow, despite being 32 years old, and obviously aspire to titles with which I can live those emotions, something that in Athletic is always more complicated despite having competed in Cup and Super Cup finals. Here is another level. I hope to enjoy those moments that I so desire.

"The entry (into the Barca dressing room) has been quite easy. There is a very good group that helps to integrate quickly and that is appreciated. And there are many whom I knew from the national team or from the lower categories of the national team."